Reflections of the setting sun in Belgrade, Maine
The resort town of Belgrade sits in the picturesque countryside of central Maine. Considered the premier inland vacation spot in Maine, Belgrade encompasses portions of Great Pond, Long Pond, Messalonskee Lake and Salmon Lake. These lakes plus area streams and wetlands provide great opportunities for boaters and birders alike.
Belgrade offers a variety of recreational opportunities from boating and swimming to fishing and golfing.
Boat rentals, services and storage is available through Belgrade Boat, Canoe and Kayak Rental, Belgrade Lakes Marina and Storage, Inc, Brightside Wooden Boat Services, Great Pond Marina, Whisperwood Boat Rentals and Belgrade Boat Storage.
Besides swimming at the town beach on Long Pond, swimmers may enjoy the pool, lessons and programs offered at the Belgrade Community Center for all Seasons. The community center also offers many other year-round activities for all age groups.
For the fishermen out there, these lakes are teeming and ready for you. Maine Guides are also ready to help you have an unforgettable outdoor experience. Maine Wilderness Tours offers fishing, white water rafting, eagle watching and more. Swans Guide Service will lend a hand with fishing, hiking, canoeing and kayaking trips.
A special treat on the waters of Great Pond, offered for a nominal fee, is a ride on one of the two remaining U.S. Postal Water Routes. For five months during the summer season, Captain Norm welcomes sightseeing passengers as he delivers mail dockside along the shores of Great Pond.
Golfers will love the championship Belgrade Lakes Golf Club, which has a five-star rating. It’s listed as number one in Maine and as “one of the best public golf courses to play in the United States” by Golf Digest. For the younger crowd who want to improve their strokes on the green or court, check out the Maine Golf and Tennis Academy.
Traditional residential summer camps can also be found in Belgrade. Great Pond has been home to two camps for over 100 years: Camp Runoia for girls and Pine Island Camp for boys. Camp Modin, the oldest Jewish camp in New England, is on Salmon Lake.
A variety of community events occur throughout the year. The Belgrade Lakes Association and Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance offer special activities including Aquafest, guided walks, lectures and boat parades. Fourth of July activities include a frog jumping contest and fireworks display. The fire department sponsors an auto show each July. The first Saturday in August finds folks trying their best at the Loon Calling Contest, which is followed by a bean supper. In October, the annual Octoberfest includes hayrides and arts and crafts. Luminaries light the way for the Christmas Stroll on the first Saturday in December. Other events include a father/daughter dance, mother/child dance, talent show and public suppers.
A trip to Belgrade isn’t complete without a stop at Day’s Store on Long Pond and Main Street. From fresh meats and souvenirs to fishing tackle and licenses, you’ll find most of what you need, but it’s the fresh doughnuts they make each morning that I guarantee will find you returning to Day’s. And Lakeside Scoops is open seasonally on the Long Pond side of the store. If you can’t find something in Belgrade, you’ll surely locate it just a short distance away in Augusta or Waterville.
Discover the sparkling waters of Belgrade. Find out for yourself just how special this place is and let it become your lakefront retreat.